ATHLONE Park Clinic recently observed World Aids Day and 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence alongside the Amanzimtoti Community Policing Forum (ACPF), Sparrow Trust, Amanzimtoti Child and Family Welfare, Usizo-lomndeni.org, Immanuel Full Gospel Church and Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit.

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Feziwe Msiya, manager of Athlone Park Clinic, said that the day served to equip men, women and children with the knowledge and courage needed to report any form of abuse they may be experiencing as soon as possible to avoid it escalating to serious cases.

In addition, speakers from various local organisations spoke about HIV prevention, and urged those already on treatment to diligently take their treatment to suppress the virus and keep them alive and well.

Sparrow Trust’s Estelle van Eeden, who is also spokesperson of the ACPF, said that such events play a critical role in preventing and raising awareness about silent forms of abuse and forms of crime often committed in private.

If you or someone you know is in need of counselling, trauma debriefing, or advice, several organisations provide free counselling services from the Amanzimtoti police gender-based violence desk, which can be found in Room 26A on 21 Khotho Mkhunya Road. Appointments can also be made to talk to an officer on duty.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) or Domestic Violence you can go directly to the Gender-Based Violence Desk or advise the Community Service Centre official that you would like to make a report that requires the safety and privacy of the service.

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